Feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is common due to hormonal changes, pressure on the stomach, and impending labor.
Understanding Why You Might Feel Sick at 39 Weeks Pregnant
At 39 weeks pregnant, your body is in the final stretch before childbirth. This phase brings a whirlwind of physical and emotional changes. Feeling sick during this time is not unusual. Various factors contribute to this discomfort, ranging from hormonal fluctuations to the physical pressure your baby exerts on your organs.
The uterus has expanded significantly by this point, pressing against your stomach and intestines. This pressure can cause nausea, indigestion, and even vomiting. Hormones like progesterone and relaxin remain elevated to keep your uterus relaxed but also slow down digestion, which can worsen queasiness.
Moreover, anxiety and anticipation about labor can trigger nausea or an unsettled stomach. Stress releases cortisol and adrenaline, which may upset your digestive system or cause dizziness. Understanding these causes helps you realize that feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is often a normal part of the journey toward delivery.
The Role of Hormones in Late Pregnancy Nausea
Hormones play a starring role throughout pregnancy, but their effects peak in the final weeks. Progesterone relaxes smooth muscles throughout your body, including those in your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation slows digestion, causing food to stay longer in your stomach and intestines, which can lead to bloating, acid reflux, and nausea.
Estrogen levels are also high during late pregnancy. Estrogen influences brain chemistry and can affect how you perceive nausea triggers like smells or tastes more intensely than usual. These heightened senses may make you feel sick even if there’s no obvious cause.
Relaxin softens ligaments and joints to prepare for birth but can also affect the digestive system’s motility. The combined effect of these hormones creates an environment where feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant becomes quite common.
Common Symptoms Associated with Feeling Sick at 39 Weeks Pregnant
Feeling sick isn’t limited to just nausea or vomiting at this stage—there’s a spectrum of symptoms that many women experience:
- Nausea: A queasy feeling often worsened by certain smells or foods.
- Vomiting: Occasional or frequent throwing up due to digestive upset.
- Heartburn: Burning sensation caused by acid reflux as the stomach is compressed.
- Bloating: Gas buildup from slowed digestion.
- Dizziness: Lightheadedness from hormonal shifts or low blood sugar.
- Fatigue: Exhaustion that can intensify feelings of sickness.
These symptoms vary widely among women depending on their health history, diet, activity level, and stress management.
Differentiating Normal Sickness From Warning Signs
While mild nausea or discomfort is typical at 39 weeks pregnant, some symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- Persistent vomiting: Unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
- Severe abdominal pain: Sharp or constant pain beyond normal cramping.
- Bleeding or fluid leakage: Any vaginal bleeding or gush of fluid needs evaluation.
- Dizziness accompanied by fainting: Could indicate dehydration or blood pressure issues.
If you experience any of these signs along with feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How Your Baby’s Position Affects Your Digestive Comfort
By week 39, most babies have settled head-down in preparation for birth. This position places direct pressure on your bladder and lower stomach area. The compression reduces stomach capacity and slows digestion further.
If your baby’s head presses on the stomach or intestines unevenly—especially if they haven’t fully “dropped” into the pelvis yet—you might feel more intense nausea or indigestion. Some women report that lying down worsens their sickness because it increases abdominal pressure.
On the flip side, moving around gently or sitting upright often helps relieve some discomfort by easing pressure points in the abdomen.
The Impact of Braxton Hicks Contractions on Nausea
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular “practice” contractions that start earlier in pregnancy but become more noticeable near term. These contractions tighten the uterus temporarily but don’t cause cervical dilation like true labor contractions.
When Braxton Hicks contractions occur frequently or strongly near week 39, they can cause cramping sensations similar to menstrual cramps. These uterine tightenings may also disrupt blood flow temporarily to the digestive organs, leading to feelings of nausea or queasiness during episodes.
Recognizing Braxton Hicks versus real labor contractions can help you understand when feeling sick relates to normal pre-labor activity versus something more urgent.
Nutritional Tips To Manage Feeling Sick at 39 Weeks Pregnant
Eating right during late pregnancy plays a crucial role in reducing sickness symptoms and keeping energy levels stable.
Here are some effective nutritional strategies:
- Eat small frequent meals: Large meals increase stomach pressure; smaller portions ease digestion.
- Avoid spicy and fatty foods: These tend to worsen heartburn and indigestion.
- Select bland foods: Crackers, toast, bananas, applesauce help settle an upset stomach.
- Stay hydrated: Sip water throughout the day; dehydration worsens nausea.
- Avoid lying down right after eating: Wait at least one hour before reclining to prevent acid reflux.
- Add ginger or peppermint tea: Both have natural anti-nausea properties proven effective for many women.
Maintaining balanced nutrition also supports your baby’s growth and prepares you for labor endurance.
Nutritional Breakdown Table for Managing Nausea at Week 39
| Nutrient/Food | Benefit | Sourced From |
|---|---|---|
| Bland Carbohydrates | Eases digestion; reduces nausea triggers | Crispbread, plain rice cakes, toast |
| Hydration (Water) | Keeps body fluids balanced; prevents dizziness | Pure water, diluted fruit juices |
| Ginger Compounds (Gingerol) | Naturally reduces nausea & vomiting sensations | Fresh ginger root tea; ginger candies (low sugar) |
| Peppermint Oil/Menthol | Soothe gastrointestinal tract spasms; calming effect on stomach muscles | Peppermint tea; peppermint oil capsules (consult doctor) |
The Connection Between Fatigue And Feeling Sick At This Stage
By week 39, exhaustion often creeps up as sleep becomes disrupted by discomforts like frequent urination and restless legs syndrome. Fatigue lowers your body’s resilience against stressors—including those causing nausea.
When tiredness sets in deeply alongside hormonal shifts and physical strain from carrying a full-term baby, it amplifies feelings of sickness. Your brain perceives signals differently when sleep-deprived: even minor tummy upset feels overwhelming.
Taking time for rest—even short naps—can improve how you feel overall. Prioritizing sleep hygiene such as dark rooms and minimal noise enhances quality rest despite physical challenges late in pregnancy.
Treatment Options To Alleviate Feeling Sick At 39 Weeks Pregnant
Several safe remedies exist for easing sickness symptoms without harming you or your baby:
- Avoid strong odors: Scents like perfumes or cooking smells may trigger nausea waves—ventilate rooms well.
- Mild over-the-counter remedies: Antacids recommended by healthcare providers reduce heartburn effectively.
- Prenatal vitamin timing adjustment: Taking vitamins with food rather than on an empty stomach lowers queasiness risk.
- Mental relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises help calm nervous system responses tied to nausea sensations.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any medication—even herbal supplements—to ensure safety during late pregnancy.
The Importance Of Monitoring Symptoms Closely At Week 39
At this advanced stage of pregnancy, any new symptom should be carefully observed because it might signal labor onset or complications such as preeclampsia or infections.
Feeling sick combined with other signs—like swelling in face/hands/legs, headaches unrelieved by rest/painkillers, vision changes—requires urgent evaluation by medical professionals.
Keeping a symptom diary noting severity and frequency helps doctors determine if interventions are necessary before delivery begins naturally.
Coping Strategies For Emotional Wellbeing When Feeling Sick Near Term
Physical discomforts often take an emotional toll as well. Anxiety about labor mixed with persistent sickness can lead to mood swings or feelings of overwhelm.
Here are some ways to maintain emotional balance:
- Create calming routines: Gentle prenatal yoga stretches promote relaxation without strain.
- Talk openly about fears with trusted people: Sharing concerns lessens isolation stress during this vulnerable time.
- Avoid excessive internet searching about worst-case scenarios: Focus on positive affirmations instead.
- If necessary seek professional support early from counselors specializing in perinatal care;
Emotional resilience boosts physical coping mechanisms too—making it easier to endure temporary bouts of sickness while awaiting labor’s arrival.
Key Takeaways: 39 Weeks Pregnant And Feel Sick
➤ Common symptoms: nausea and fatigue are normal at 39 weeks.
➤ Hydration is key: drink plenty of fluids to ease sickness.
➤ Rest often: fatigue can worsen feelings of nausea.
➤ Consult your doctor: if sickness is severe or persistent.
➤ Prepare for labor: symptoms may signal your body is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel sick at 39 weeks pregnant?
Feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is common due to hormonal changes and the pressure your baby places on your stomach and intestines. These factors can cause nausea, indigestion, and vomiting as your digestive system slows down in preparation for labor.
What symptoms of feeling sick are typical at 39 weeks pregnant?
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and dizziness. These occur because your uterus presses on your digestive organs and hormones slow digestion, making you more sensitive to smells and tastes that can trigger queasiness.
How do hormones cause feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant?
Hormones like progesterone relax your digestive muscles, slowing digestion and causing bloating or acid reflux. Elevated estrogen heightens sensitivity to nausea triggers. Relaxin also affects digestion, all contributing to feeling sick during late pregnancy.
Can anxiety make me feel sick at 39 weeks pregnant?
Yes, anxiety and stress about labor can release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that upset your stomach or cause dizziness. Emotional changes are normal at this stage and can worsen feelings of nausea or general sickness.
When should I worry about feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant?
If you experience severe vomiting, dehydration, or persistent dizziness, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. Mild nausea is normal, but intense symptoms could indicate complications needing medical attention before delivery.
Conclusion – 39 Weeks Pregnant And Feel Sick: What You Need To Know
Feeling sick at 39 weeks pregnant is usually a normal part of late pregnancy caused by hormonal changes, increased abdominal pressure from baby’s position, slowed digestion, and emotional stress related to impending childbirth. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, dizziness—and fatigue—are common but manageable through dietary adjustments like eating small frequent meals rich in bland carbohydrates and hydration with water plus soothing teas like ginger or peppermint.
Recognizing warning signs such as persistent vomiting accompanied by severe pain or bleeding is critical since these need immediate medical attention rather than home remedies alone. Monitoring symptom patterns closely while prioritizing rest helps ease discomfort both physically and emotionally during this final phase before delivery.
Ultimately understanding why you feel sick now empowers you with patience and practical tools so that when labor begins soon after week 39 arrives—you’ll be ready physically calm mentally prepared for welcoming new life into the world!